Buying a home isn't as difficult as you might think, even if you're short on funds, but the process will go a lot smoother if you get familiar with your real estate market and narrow down your wants and needs before you start looking at properties.

Real estate agents represent buyers, sellers, or both--and in some places they can work as neutral facilitators for either party. It's essential to understand agent duties and loyalties before you make that first phone call.Steps to Home Ownership